insideKENT Magazine Issue 93 - December 2019 | Page 155

but if too many fall off you might want
to reconsider. A shiny, glossy green
coating on the needles shows you
instantly how healthy the tree is.
Bringing your Christmas
tree home
Before you head out to collect your
tree, check that it will fit in the car.
Unless you have a big car, anything
over 5ft may be best attached to a roof
rack. Make sure that the tree’s trunk
is pointed toward the car's front end,
as this will help to reduce wind damage
to the pine needles.
You’ll need plenty of ties to secure it
for a safe journey home. If you are
transporting the tree inside of your
car though, it is always a good idea to
lay down a blanket or sheet to catch
lose needles and save on extra cleaning
time for your car’s interior. Thirsty work
At home Also make sure you’re not placing it too close to any Christmas candles. Not only
will they dry your tree out, but they could present a fire risk.
Your Christmas tree is a short-term
visitor, so it is only right to treat it
properly. Un-net your tree and leave
it to stand for 24 hours before
decorating so that the branches can
settle into place. If you opt for a real
Christmas tree, make sure it gets
enough water. Simply cut off a couple
of centimetres from the stump, as this
will enable the tree to take up more
water and help it last longer.
Your tree will need approximately 1-2 litres a day, depending on the temperature
of the room. Remember that if you put your tree close to a fire or radiator, it’s
going to dry out and lose its sheen.
Recycle your tree
Once we have welcomed the New Year and it’s time to wave goodbye to the
festive season, you can put your tree to good use by recycling it. Check with your
local Council for more information on collection services from your doorstep.
If you opted for a pot-grown Christmas tree, remember to plant it as soon as
possible in January so you can enjoy the following year. Select a spot that has
well drained soil, sun, and enough space for the tree to sit comfortably. Then all
you need to do is keep the tree watered and protected.
DOBBIES CHRISTMAS TREES
DOBBIES SOURCE ALL OF THEIR CHRISTMAS TREES FROM THE SCOTTISH
HIGHLANDS, ENSURING THE QUALITY AND SPECIFICATION OF YOUR TREE IS
ALWAYS EXCEPTIONAL.
Fraser Fir
Christmas tree,
from £49.99
Nordmann Fir
Christmas tree,
from £39.99
Norway Spruce
Christmas tree,
from £29.99
Working with the family run business, based in Inverness, for the past 8 years means
Dobbies are confident in the quality of their real and pot grown Christmas trees. Set
within 1,000 hectares of woodlands, trees are grown in nutrient-rich, well-draining
soils, and fields are protected from the worst of the winter cold by the Gulf Stream.
The team at the Christmas tree farm take a special interest in the stunning heathland
and mature woodlands that form part of the farm. Every care is taken to protect and
conserve these natural habitats and the wildlife that inhabit them.
Being able to offer a range of sizes and shapes is important to Dobbies, and
all of their fresh trees are hand trimmed in the field before being cut for
Christmas to ensure they look their best for your home. Dobbies trees are
displayed unwrapped in woodland walkways throughout their garden
centres, so families can walk round and choose their favourite tree – the
perfect day out to get everyone into the festive spirit! Dobbies will also net
your chosen tree to protect it (and your car) whilst in transit.
If you are short on time or simply can’t make it to a store nearby, you can also order delivery of a real tree at
Dobbies Ashford
Rutherford Road
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4BN
www.dobbies.com
Dobbies Gillingham
Courteney Road
Gillingham
Kent
ME8 0FB
Dobbies Keston
Oakley Road
Bromley
Kent
BR2 8HD
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